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Of course these letters are dated today but they're still good dictation practice.
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200 Takes for Building Shorthand Speed, Zoubek, 1946, Letter 109
Dear Sir: It is a strange thing about neckties. If you wanted to buy a thousand of them this morning, you could probably find a store in your neighborhood that has a large supply from which you could make a selection.
Although this is true of almost every locality in the United States, thousands of men order their neckties by mail from us. They order from us not because they can’t get exactly what they want at home, but because they feel they get from us the best ties on the market.
And we are able to sell high-quality ties at low prices! The reason is that for years we have devoted our entire attention to manufacturing ties that will wear well and present a nice appearance. This specialization has enabled us to effect many economies, and these savings are passed on to you. Because we sell by mail, it is not necessary for us to maintain an elaborate “Main Street” establishment for which we have to pay a high rent. Here again, this savings is passed on to the customer.
Another reason why our prices are so reasonable is that we conduct our business on a strictly cash basis, thus eliminating the necessity for an elaborate and expensive accounting system.
But price alone will not sell ties or any other merchandise for that matter. An attractive price might bring in a first order it will not bring repeat business. Before a man will come back to an establishment a second time for his ties, he must be completely satisfied with the product he has bought. The tie must wear well and it must have style.
Examine the enclosed booklet which illustrates the ties we have to offer and I am sure you will agree that style has not been neglected. The ties shown there represent this year’s “cream of the crop.” By acting now, you can have any seven of those ties for only $3.15—a price that you have probably paid at one time or another for a single tie. For that price, we offer you seven ties that you can wear with any of your winter suits or shirts. If you order two dozen ties, we will give you the special price of $12.50. This will result in a saving of $2.90 on the two dozen.
Use the coupon in the enclosed booklet and send for a set of our ties. You need not keep the ties if you feel they have not lived up to what we have said about them. We will gladly pay the return postage. But we are sure that once you see them, you will not let them out of your possession.
Our special offer of seven ties for $3.15 is good only during the month of October. Send in your order immediately and take advantage of this special offer. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience. Very sincerely yours,
For more information on shorthand speed building, click here.
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